CinéFemme - Los Domingos

The young Ainara, seventeen years old (convincingly played by Blanca Soroa in her first feature film), is an intelligent and idealistic teenager who lost her mother very young. Like her deeply religious mother and other members of her family, she attends a Christian school. Everyone around her expects her to pursue higher education, but she herself seems more attracted to a contemplative life as a nun. When Ainara announces to her family that she is considering entering the convent, reactions are mixed. Her father hesitates, but above all wishes to support his daughter. Her aunt Maite, an atheist, believes for her part that her niece is about to ruin her life. Is it really her own choice, or is she under the influence of the spiritual guidance offered by her school? Los Domingos, by Spanish director Alauda Ruiz de Azúa (Dicen, Cinco Lobitos), fuels the debate and explores both the positive aspects and the shadows of Ainara's religious vocation. The film also raises questions of tolerance, indoctrination, conformism, and individual freedom. Through subtle observations and incisive dialogues, it paints a poignant portrait of a young girl in search of her own path. The film met with immense success in Spain and was presented in world premiere at the San Sebastian International Film Festival, where it won no less than five awards, including the Golden Shell for best film. En Belgique, it was premiered at the Film Festival Oostende.